ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Large crowds filled the lawn outside Abilene City Hall for a “City Hall-iday” celebration. Family and friends watched as the 2024 Abilene Christmas tree was lit, bringing the ceremonial beginning of the holiday season to a glowing start.
Abilene City Council Member Travis Craver and his family were among those in attendance. Craver said he was filled with delight to see his kids and so many other families together for this annual tradition.
“For me, it’s just a reminder of the beauty of life, knowing that each and every season has a different joy that it brings, and for many, the Christmas season is the greatest joy of them all. Just to be here celebrating, drinking great hot chocolate, and being together as a city is so exciting.” Craver said.
Mayor Weldon Hurt addressed the crowd at 6 p.m., and the tree was switched on to much applause. Just 30 minutes prior, the Abilene ISD “Revolution Strings” group performed on the City Hall steps. The group’s renditions of Christmas classics and other tunes got everyone in the holiday spirit.
Speaking of spirit, Mayor Hurt’s son, Branson Hurt, and his family were also in attendance. Hurt drew many eyes with his “Buddy the Elf” costume. Hurt said he was dressed to match his daughter’s parade float theme. Though without the float nearby at all times, he had more than a few coming up to ask questions and even take pictures with him.
“Everybody’s laughing and smiling. Just reminds you, it’s a good time of year to be happy.” Hurt said.
Of course, the holiday cheer extends far beyond the City Hall. The Abilene Downtown Association has already beautifully decorated the streets of Downtown Abilene and the SoDA district beyond.
“That nostalgic feeling for everyone that used to exist. We’re trying to provide that again so that everyone wants to be downtown during the holidays, and it takes all year to get there.” Said Abilene Downtown Association president Rebecca Bridges.
The planning process for downtown’s Christmas transformation takes all year. Bridges said they give their ideas for how they’d like to set the scene to their light vendor, local business, Christmas Decor by Lonestar Electric, and their employees, who make it happen.
Bridges says this year’s display is to act as a baseline for all future downtown decorations to grow from. Each year, she and her team take their privately donated funds and work to make the scene magical and inviting in new and exciting ways.
“We had a really huge anniversary year a few years ago, and that’s what everyone remembers. And that’s not necessarily sustainable for us financially. So what we’ve done this year is to create a baseline to grow on.” Bridges said.
She says the goal is to ensure all generations get to experience that magical holiday feeling when they are in Downtown Abilene. She hopes the inviting visuals entice families to spend more time in the area and make Christmas memories in the city.
“We want our current to feel like my parents and their feels about downtown. And so we’re trying to capture that so that it feels magical to them.” Said Bridges.
The Abilene Downtown Association website provides further information on getting involved or donating to next year’s holiday decoration process.
